Dungeons and Dragons: Uncover the Best Reads of 2025

Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity, fueled by factors like Stranger Things, the "Honor Among Thieves" movie, and the immense success of Baldur's Gate 3. This makes it an ideal time to join the adventure! However, navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content can be daunting for newcomers. This guide focuses on essential first-party books, excluding the core rulebooks (Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual – assumed to be owned already). We also briefly mention some noteworthy third-party options.

First-Party Content:

Essential Sourcebooks:

• Xanathar's Guide to Everything: A highly valuable sourcebook (2017) offering expanded player options, including numerous subclasses, racial feats, spells, and helpful DM tools. Crucial for players seeking diverse character builds. See it at Amazon

• Tasha's Cauldron of Everything: Similar to Xanathar's, this sourcebook provides additional player options and expands core rulebook concepts. It includes optional class features, new spells, and DM rules for sidekicks, hazards, and more. Excellent for class diversity. See it at Amazon

Recommended Adventures:

• Waterdeep: Dragon Heist: A captivating adventure focusing on intrigue, social encounters, and political conflict within the city of Waterdeep. Offers multiple antagonists for replayability. See it at Amazon

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse: A three-book bundle exploring the Planescape setting. Includes a setting guide, monster manual, and adventure, offering a rich multiversal experience. See it at Amazon

• Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk: A significant expansion to "The Lost Mine of Phandelver," taking players back to Phandalin to unravel a cosmic horror conspiracy. Unique and engaging. See it at Amazon

• Eberron: Rising from the Last War: A sourcebook and adventure set in a unique war-torn world with airships and floating castles. Introduces Dragonmarks and offers opportunities for roleplaying and swashbuckling. See it at Amazon

• Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen: Introduces the Dragonlance setting (also featured in "The Practically Complete Guide to Dragons"). Features large-scale combat encounters with dragons and draconians. See it at Amazon

• Curse of Strahd: A gothic horror adventure featuring vampires and creepy encounters. A remake of a classic AD&D adventure. See it at Amazon

• The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting, offering multiple solutions and roleplaying opportunities. Includes new playable races and backgrounds. See it at Amazon

Brief Mention of Third-Party Content:

Several high-quality third-party options exist, including MCDM Productions' "Strongholds and Followers" and "Flee, Mortals!", Kobold Press' "Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex," and Ghostfire Gaming's "Grim Hollow."

This selection provides a strong foundation for newcomers to 5e D&D. Let us know your thoughts and favorite books in the comments!